I skipped the past couple of months in the Turning to Food series thanks to the Summer season. My schedule, food choices, and everything in between were completely thrown out of the window the day school ended in May. I’m so thankful to finally rejoin my food addiction series today.
New additions will now be titled more descriptively of their particular content. However, they will all continue to be tagged with Turning to Food for easier access to the entire series at once. This is a great way if you are new here to go back and read about some of the different programs I’ve tried.
A few months ago, I saw a documentary on BBC from Dr. Michael Mosley about the incredible health benefits of fasting. Apparently after just 12 hours of food restriction, your body starts rapidly repairing itself, along with many other fascinating benefits.
My body is definitely in desperate need of repair, so I immediately bought Dr. Mosley’s book, The Fast Diet.
He shares many studies and facts about the perks of fasting. Here are the basics and most exciting: (p.73-74, The Fast Diet)
- Weight loss
- Risk reduction of many age-related diseases, including cancer
- Repair genes turning on
- Increased insulin sensitivity, thanks to a resting pancreas, which serves to reduce risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline
- Improvement in moods and your sense of well-being
The last point is incredibly important to me, as I have a great deal of mood related issues. This is far from the first time I’ve been made aware of the food-mind connection. Many of the previous programs of my Turning to Food series also showed me how my emotions are incredibly improved by my food choices.
The most important aspect of fasting for me is the spiritual one. I’ve always been fascinated by Christian fasting. Anything that will bring me closer to God is at the top of my list of life choices.
I’ll go into more of this next week when I discuss John Piper’s A Hunger for God. Sadly, I’ve chosen food over God for most of my life. This has led me to this raging food addiction that continues to consume me. While working through the fast diet over the past month or so, I’m learning I must depend on God more than ever before to break these final addiction chains.
The recommendations from Dr. Mosley and his cowriter Mimi Spencer are to fast for two days a week, not in a row. Their definition of fasting is at least 12 consecutive hours with no food, and to consume 500 calories per fasting day (600 for men). They discuss doing this by either one meal a day worth the entire calorie allotment or eating a small meal in the morning, followed by the remainder of the calories 12 hours later for dinner.
Ms. Spencer sometimes has a piece of fruit in between her meals, but Dr. Mosley seems to feel the benefits may be better by avoiding that. He uses the 2-meal method, while I have been trying the 1-meal option over the past several weeks. I feel this helps me not have to think about food as much, which is one of my biggest goals, to lose my food obsession.
This went surprisingly well for me the first few weeks. When my son’s birthday hit at the very end of July, I was suddenly surrounded by birthday cake and ice cream. We go a little crazy on birthdays in our house, making them last at least 2 weeks.
Anyway, I’m struggling to get back on the fast days as I detox from my sugar binge, but I’m not giving up on this program. Honestly, it’s one of my favorites out of the many you’ve seen me try over the past year. When I followed it properly, my moods and cravings were both dramatically improved. My husband was even incredibly impressed.
I’ll keep you updated on this one. I think it’s definitely a program of great possibility.
To learn more about The Fast Diet, check out their website or you can purchase the book here
If you are new here, my plan and part of my food addiction story can be found in An Addict’s Journey or you may want to check out some of the other monthly updates in the Turning to Food series.
Thank you for always motivating me to continue to be healthy. Your honest words about your own food struggles always help me to remember where I need to be in my own struggles. I always appreciate your desire to look to God in the middle of the difficulties because this always helps me. Love you and I am so proud of you.
Thank you for your sweet words, Mary. These food issues are definitely a daily struggle for me. I know God has me here for a reason though :). The more we share our pain, our healing seems to intensify in beautiful ways. Love you too, my friend!
You motivate me, girl. You make me consider these health concerns with a new perspective. I hit 60 next week, and these days, I am feeling it. That certainly gives me cause for pause.
Thanks … and hugs, too!
;-}
Happy early birthday, Linda! Each passing year has made me a little more exhausted :). I’m hoping to start reversing that very soon. We can do this, my friend. Hugs to you!
Hi Candice!
Thank you for sharing about the fast diet. I am a recovering food addict and have wanted to fast yet was afraid fasting would drive me to food. Thank you for giving me a different perspective.
You are so welcome, Maureen. You may want to check out their website. I’ve been wanting to read through the forums to see the experiences of other food addicts. It definitely helps me with cravings. I hope to one day call myself recovering in this area as well :).
hello Candace, this is a good motivation for keeping healthy.
Fasting cleanses the body system.
I also like fruits and water too.
Loads of Blessings
I was excited to learn all of the health benefits to fasting, Ifeoma. I knew there were some but I never imagined all of the possibilities. I’m looking forward to continued cleansing and healing :). Blessings to you!
I’m horrible at fasting, but I’m going to check out this book from the library. It sounds very interesting and I know my body needs some repair.
I really didn’t think I could do it, Sonya. It was shockingly easy until I went on that birthday cake binge. I’m actually attempting another fast day today. So far, so good, even if it is only 8:30am :). You may want to check out their website too. I’m hoping to spend some time there today for inspiration.
It has been a long time since I tried fasting, but I do remember it helped with the sugar craving. 🙂 I didn’t know it helps with all these other things. Interesting. Thank you, Candace.
I was shocked at how much it helped with sugar cravings, Trudy. I really didn’t even want that first piece of birthday cake. Once I crossed that line though, it was all downhill. Today is a new day and I’m not giving up :).
Candace,
Friend I am always delighted to “hear” from you. I rejoice with you in your successes with this book thus far. And you are so right in that fasting is a spiritual journey because fasting without God & His word is just not eating. When I am fasting and distractions are calling my name, it is His word that I feast on. When I fast it seems as if every billboard, magazine, food blog is magnified in my field of vision. Again, I turn to the Word for sustenance. Friend I join you in prayer as you continue your journey. Infinite blessings to you.
Your words of wisdom are always so helpful to me, Tyra. This: “fasting without God & His word is just not eating.” Amen, my friend. I’m reading a wonderful book called A Hunger for God that I’m hoping to share next week. It’s helping tremendously in this area. Many blessings to you as well!
Well, this one sounds incredibly enticing, Candace! My first thought was “I can sleep for 7-8 of those 12 hours, then just drink coffee all morning and have fruit and yogurt and WUALAH!! There’s the fast! I do that pretty much all the time… does that count?
I’m guessing probably not- I need to find out more about this. I could use a re-boot and a mood stabilizer too. Thanks for sharing this one, my friend. Praying for you as you continue to strive onward!
Thanks for the prayers, Chris! They are much needed, my friend. You can have coffee all day on fast days if that makes you feel any better :). It’s a really interesting program. I hope you get a chance to investigate it further. I’ll definitely continue my own updates with it.
Isn’t it interesting the benefits you can gain from fasting? I fast one time a month for religious reasons and I know that after a day of doing so my body just feels better!
I’m amazed by what one single day does for me, Jen. The benefits are beautifully astounding, especially if you are doing it for religious reasons. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies in this area.
Hi Candace,
Fasting is something I have wanted to incorporate into my life for many reasons. Up until this point, I have just been doing well in changing my way that I looked at food. I was most definitely an emotional eater. 70 pounds later, I finally feel like I have a grasp on why I ate like I did and have made some positive changes and have developed new and better habits. It definitely is a life change not a diet. Fasting intrigues me…wondering if I have the discipline to do it, but feel like God is calling me to a new challenge. Enjoyed stopping by 🙂
Blessings,
Bev
How wonderful that you have made positive changes and habits, Bev. I’ve struggled in this area for many years. Emotional eating is definitely my reason for the roller coaster as well. Don’t worry about your own discipline. If God calls you to this, He will make a way :). Thanks so much for stopping by!
This is a fascinating read. I am inspired to think and research more about this book and the plan. Thank you for sharing it. It sounds like some very practical pointers for the physical for us who would implement them for the spiritual discipline. I’ve found that a complete fast is almost too much and sometimes has the opposite affect of centering my mind on food instead of prayer. But within this definition and boundaries, it suddenly seems like it might be more successful for the original goal.
Thank you again! We are neighbors on TellHisStory and I am so glad!
I’ve found a complete fast to be too much for me as well, Christi. This way is much more doable. I’m hoping to share more on this topic in the next couple of days. It’s been a crazy week :). I’m so glad you stopped by!
What a great book! Thanks for sharing I will take a look and learn more about the benefits! I’m visiting you today from A Little R&R Link Up. You’re welcome to share this post also with me at Words of Comfort Link Up every Monday!
Blessings,
Tayrina from
http://www.atinymixof.com
I will definitely jump into your linkup as soon as I get a chance, Tayrina. Thanks for the invite :)! I hope you get a chance to check out the book. It’s a really interesting program.
Praying for you on this fasting journey. I started fasting (mostly) regularly, once a week, about four years ago and it really amazed me how much food had an impact on my life. It made me question which I craved more, God or food. Praying God will continue to move in your life and reveal himself to you as you seek him over food and the benefits of fasting. Many blessings to you 🙂
Thanks so much for the prayers, Tiffany. They are much needed :). The maintenance part of this program switches to once a week fasting like you are doing. Four years is extremely impressive. I completely understand the questioning of how much we crave food. This has been so eye opening for me. Many blessings to you as well!
Hey Candace,
I came over on SHINE today, and I’m glad to find your site. I don’t think I’ve every been “parked” next to you on a link up party.
Thanks for sharing so much great info about fasting. I’ve tried several types of fasts for spiritual breakthroughs. We even had an “electronics” fast one time – no television or movies for 40 days. Each time we would want to be entertained, we would pray.
Appreciate all of the ideas and tips.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
It’s so nice to meet you, Melanie! Thanks for coming over :). I think a 40 day electronics fast would be wonderful and much needed for my family as well. After food, I would guess screens to be my second toughest addiction. I spent a month unplugged at the beginning of summer. It was wonderful. I would love to try it again with my son. Thanks for the inspiration!
So glad you to see you this week at #ThreeWordWednesday! Thanks for sharing updates on your life and encouraging others so well.
It’s always great seeing you as well, Kristin. I’m a little behind responding around here :). Blogging has taken a back seat in the past few months. I’m hoping to get back on track soon!
Sounds like a fascinating program! Fasting has a wonderful way of resetting your body and your perspective 🙂
It really is wonderful on so many levels, Akaleistar. I’m excited to see where this program will take me :).
Hi Candace! My sister fasts twice a week, and it makes me wonder if it’s because of the same book you’re reading? She uses it as weight loss maintenance, as well as a spiritual practice. Sounds like a winner to me.
I have also ‘fallen off the wagon’ as far as weight loss is concerned. I’m ready to go to war again with myself! Maybe after I reach my goal, I can join in the fast too.
Blessings on your efforts!
Ceil
It does sound like a similar program, Ceil. I know they recommend 2 days a week for weight loss and switching to 1 once you are in maintenance mode though. I have quite a while before I get to my goal. We can beat this, my friend! Many blessings to you!
Interesting read, Candace. I’ve not heard of this book. It sounds interesting. When we lived in Hawaii our church fasted each January. Loved that time. It was challenging, but the spiritual results (plus I usually lost a few pounds) were well worth it. Jentzen Franklin’s book on fasting was quite helpful. Best wishes for the new school year fasting.
Fasting in Hawaii sounds like an amazing experience on so many levels, Kristi :). I will definitely check out that book. Thanks so much for the recommendation! I’m really trying to fill up with books on fasting for spiritual reasons now.
Okay, so now I’m really inspired to try this! I always find it fascinating how much of what God asks us to do in His Word is actually for our benefit… even from a health perspective. I always knew fasting would be good for my spiritual health, but it amazes me how God also uses it in our lives for our physical well-being. This is definitely on my to-do list to try!
Blessings!
I’m just in awe watching His Word and my health goals come together, Alyssa. Right now I’m reading A Hunger For God and am hoping to discuss it here in the next couple of days. It’s much more about what the Bible says about fasting. I’ve found it incredibly interesting. Many blessings to you as well!
True cleansing. Must grab a copy.
It’s a great one, Lux! Let me know what you think if you try it out. “True cleansing”- a perfect description :).
I’m totally starting this, this week!!
I too struggle from the same addiction to food and I’m tired of constantly thinking about it. I fasted a while back and it was SO eye opening! Thank you for sharing!
I just started this back today, Jen! We can do it together :). Fasting really is so eye opening. I completely agree. Today has been interesting. It was my first fasting day in months. I’m really excited to be doing this again!